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HUMAN nature with all its infirmities and depravation
is still capable of great things. It is capable of attaining to degrees of wisdom and of goodness, which,
we have reason to believe, appear respectable in the
estimation of superior intelligences. Education makes
a greater difference between man and man, than nature has made between man and brute. The virtues
and powers to which men may be trained, by early
education and constant discipline, are truly sublime
and astonishing. Newton and Locke are examples
of the deep sagacity which may be acquired by long
habits of thinking and study. Nay, your common mechanics and artisans are proofs of the wonderful dexterity acquired by use ; a watchmaker, in. finishing
his wheels and springs, a pin or needlemaker, &c. I
think there is a particular occupation in Europe,
which is called a paper-stainer or linen-stainer. A
man who has been long habituated to it, shall sit for
a whole day, and draw upon paper fresh figures to be
imprinted upon the papers for rooms, as fast as his
eye can roll, and his fingers move, and no two of his

draughts shall be alike. The Saracens, the Knights
of Malta, the army and navy in the service of the
English republic, among many others, arc instances
to show, to what an exalted height valor or bravery
or courage may be raised, by artificial means.

It should be your care, therefore, and mine, to elevate the minds of our children and exalt their courage ; to accelerate and animate their industry and
activity ; to excite in them an habitual contempt of meanness, abhorrence of injustice and inhumanity,
and an ambition to excel in every capacity, faculty and virtue. If we suffer their minds to grovel and creep in infancy, they will grovel all their lives.

But their bodies must be hardened, as well as their souls exalted. Without strength and activity and
vigor of body, the brightest mental excellencies will be eclipsed and obscured.